Dr. Dennis L. Siluk’s has published 72-International Book. He is a poet since twelve years old, a writer, Psychologist, Ordained Minister, Decorated Veteran from the Vietnam War, Doctor in Arts and Education, and Doctor Honoris Causa from the National University of Central Peru, UNCP. He was nominated Poet Laureate in Peru. One of his books, “The Galilean”, took Honorable Mention at the 2016 Paris Book Festival and received an award from the Congress of Peru, for his cultural writings.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

The Coward (Part I of II)

The Coward

(Part I of II)

“I only know we don’t live twice,” said the coward in Sidney, who ran
away from war in Vietnam, back in ’71.

“Shun death at any price,” was his earnest and foremost advice—

For me (while I was on R & R, in Sidney, from
the war…)

And he stood firm in my direction.

Perhaps I was overbold:

I, who would have no end of war, — until
victory: thought him an obstinate coward—

I, who would rather die a brute of war,
than a coward in some dime and nickel store, in Sidney!

Potency of War

(Part II of II)

Now, old with hollow cheeks, too weak a body, yet strong the soul:

I have never had the darkest doubt of my role in war, —nor,

To any high degree, took into consideration my country being right
or wrong—